HTR Product Rating

The Logitech Duet is unique in the Squeezebox series of network music players, as it comes with a bi-directional wi-fi remote. Some of you may be saying, "So, what's the big deal about a bi-directional remote?" It is a big deal for music servers. The wi-fi remote allows the user to see all the display information right on the screen of the remote in hand, rather than having to walk over to the equipment rack to look at the front panel of the player. The user interface is the remote, not a box on a rack or in a closet. This is huge for whole-house and multi-zone systems. The utilization of wi-fi connectivity means you can be rooms away or even floating in your pool and still browse and control your music as though you were standing next to the equipment rack.

I won't go into detail about how the Squeezebox system generally works, as we just did a full-length review of the Duet's big brother, the Transporter, which describes this in detail. Unique to the Duet are the bi-directional remote and its physical form factor. The receiver is approximately four inches deep, six inches wide and one inch high. Connections include Ethernet, analog and digital outputs and power. Notably absent is any display, as the unit relies upon the remote's display. The bi-directional remote is wand-like in shape, with a full-color 2.4 inch LCD screen above an iPod-style scroll wheel and basic navigation buttons. The remote is definitely what makes this system special and allows the $399 Duet to compete with the Sonos system (approximately $1,000). The Duet is especially attractive if you want to start with one zone. Additional receivers can be added for additional zones for $199 apiece. Additionally, if you already have a Squeezebox server, you can buy the remote separately for $299 and it will control the other Squeezebox products. If you have multiple Squeezebox products running simultaneously, such as one for each zone, you can easily use the same remote for all zones by selecting the receiver you want to control from a menu on the remote.

Read about the high points and the low points of the Logitech Duet on Page 2.

The Pros and Cons Of Today's Best Streaming Media Players

With cable and satellite TV constantly trying to reinvent itself to keep up with the times there has been a rise in streaming media players. These allow for more personalization and choice when it comes to what content you watch on your TV.
Unfortunately, as with all new tech, there are tons of choices and the options aren't always clear. Do you want to mirror your tablet? Or store all your movies in one convenient spot? Maybe you just want to watch Netflix?
These media player can do it all, so have a look at the gallery, check out the reviews, and decide which one is right for you . . .

The Pros and Cons of Today's Best Media Servers and Streamers

Google ChromecastPros: $39 is cheap, the unit is easy to use, and Google has now opened the software development kit to outside developers.Cons: This is not a standalone media streamer (works with a portable device like tablet), and the list of supported apps is currently limited. Read our review here. And if you already have one, good news.

The Pros and Cons of Today's Best Media Servers and Streamers

The Roku 3Pros: Roku has the best selection of apps to date, the device is small and fast, and the remote has motion control and a headphone output.Cons: Roku doesn't offer a YouTube app, and the newest box is only compatible with HDMI-equipped TVs. Read our review to learn more.

WD TV LivePros: The WD TV Live offers a great assortment of Web services, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Vudu, Pandora, Spotify, CinemaNow, Facebook, and more. Cons: Western Digital does not offer an apps store to expand and customize the list of Web services. Here's the review.

The Pros and Cons of Today's Best Media Servers and Streamers

MovieNite PlusPros: It is a competitively priced option that offers reliable performance. Cons: The MovieNite service does not have as many apps as some of its competitors, including big omissions like Hulu Plus and Amazon Instant Video. Here's the review for more info.

2The Pros and Cons of Today's Best Media Servers and Streamers

Co-Star Media PlayerPros: Low cost and robust app options.
Cons: Poor integration with the remote control via Google. Here's our review to help you sort it all out.

The Pros and Cons of Today's Best Media Servers and Streamers

The Kaleidescape Cinema OnePros: Rock-solid performance, best user experience in the business, and Blu-ray quality downloads.
Cons: You need the disc vault to store your Blu-rays, the system is expensive, and the K-scape doesn't support HD music files (yet).
Here's the review.